Easby Waters, River Swale

The lowdown

• The beat runs for approximately 1.8 km (1.1 miles), so there’s a fair bit of river to explore rather than one tiny fishery.
• RADAS rights cover the south bank from Mercury Bridge down to the old railway bridge at Easby. On the north bank, the rights run from the stone steps to Mercury Bridge.
• Pegs 1–3 are the Station Bend to Fence End section, on the south bank downstream from Mercury Bridge to Sand Beck.
• Pegs 4–9 make up the Easby section, running on the south bank from Sand Beck to the old railway bridge at Easby.
• It’s a proper mixed fishery, available for both fly and coarse fishing. The society names wild brown trout, grayling, chub, dace, barbel and pike among its River Swale species.
• Trout fishing runs from 25 March to 30 September inclusive. Coarse fish and grayling are in season from 16 June to 14 March, with the whole river closed from 15 to 24 March.
• During the game-fishing period, no keep nets, ground bait, swim feeders or maggots are allowed. All fish must be handled carefully and returned alive.
• Parking is available free at Easby Abbey, with hard standing at the water works also listed. Pay parking at The Station gives access to the upper part of the beat.
• The Easby Loop follows the river, railway line and Easby Abbey, so expect a well-used riverside setting. Close gates, follow the Countryside Code and keep the place tidy.
• Night fishing isn’t expressly prohibited, but anglers must contact the adjacent property owner by text or telephone in advance. Cheeky late session, but sort that bit first.

Methods: Fly fishing and coarse tactics are both available. Below Lowenthwaite Bridge, any legal method is allowed under the society rules, subject to the hook, rod and tackle restrictions.

Access & tickets

RADAS day permits can be bought online and cost £12.50 per angler. They are valid from 6:00am to 10:00pm on the booked date, and include Easby Waters. Anglers also need an Environment Agency rod licence.

Fish the club names

trout, chub, barbel, pike

Named by Richmond & District Angling Society across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Trout season is 25 March to 30 September inclusive.
• Coarse-fish and grayling season is 16 June to 14 March inclusive.
• The whole river is closed to all fishing from 15 March to 24 March.
• All fish must be handled carefully and returned alive.
• No keep nets, ground bait, swim feeders or maggots are allowed during the game-fishing period.
• No more than two rods may be used at any time.
• Only single-pointed barbless or nipped-barbed hooks are permitted; treble hooks are prohibited.
• Anglers must carry a disgorger and use knotless, EA-compliant landing nets.
• Day-permit holders must complete an online catch return within 24 hours of fishing.
• Dogs, fires, barbecues, littering and leaving discarded tackle are prohibited.

River level

Where it is